Songkran Day Gifts","tags":["Songkran","Sports","Football"]},{
Welcoming the Songkran Festival, the Water Splashing Day, with the mission of Thailand's four national football teams this past Sunday,
which brought a mix of joy and disappointment, as is usual in the world of football.
The Thailand U16 Junior War Elephants team kicked off the ASEAN Championship in Indonesia with a 5-1 thrashing of the Philippines youth team.
Meanwhile, the senior women's national team scored a 4-0 victory over New Caledonia, advancing to the final of the FIFA Series 2026.
They will face DR Congo on Wednesday, 15 Apr 2026 GMT+7, in Ratchaburi.
Unfortunately, the U20 Young Chaba team missed their chance to compete in the Youth World Cup in Poland.
After a nearly decisive match against South Korea, tied 1-1 in regular time, we conceded a winning goal in extra time.
They lost 1-2 and were eliminated in the Asian Cup quarterfinals, ending their World Cup journey once again.
But it's okay. This group may not have reached the stars, yet we still have two other national teams to hope for World Cup qualification next month.
Both the Thailand U17 women's team, preparing to compete in the final round of the Asian Championship in Suzhou, People's Republic of China, from 1–17 May 2026 GMT+7,
a tournament that will select four semifinalists to represent Asia at the U17 World Cup in Morocco.
And the other, the highest hope to showcase the Tricolor flag at the World Cup currently,
is the U17 War Elephants team, in the final stages of preparation for the Asian Championship from 5–22 May 2026 GMT+7.
Awaiting AFC's announcement on whether the venue will move from Saudi Arabia to Wuhan, mainland China.
This national team is likely our best bet for a World Cup ticket because if we finish as champions or runners-up in the group stage, we'll secure one of the eight Asian slots to the World Cup in Qatar immediately.
The group opponents are quite favorable, with Saudi Arabia as the host and group favorite,
and the other two nations, Myanmar and Tajikistan, are teams we should be able to compete against.
As for the Thai football teams that brought happiness and smiles to local sports fans this round,
it's the 'War Elephants Little Table' or the men's national futsal team, who reclaimed the ASEAN championship for the first time in four years.
This marks the team's 17th championship title, following their last title in 2022.
They avenged their defeat by beating their regional rival, the 'Garuda' Indonesian national futsal team, 2-1.
The final match saw a flood of fans filling the Nonthaburi Provincial Gymnasium beyond capacity.
A giant screen was set up for those unable to enter the arena to watch the live broadcast around the venue.
The final was thrilling and intense, with both teams evenly matched throughout the game, befitting two top ASEAN teams of the current era.
Thailand conceded first but equalized with a goal from Itthicha Praphapan in the final minute of the first half.
Later, Ter Panat Kittipanawong emerged as the hero, scoring a decisive, sharp goal in the second half.
This winning goal allowed the War Elephants futsal team to reclaim the ASEAN championship spectacularly.
They restored the prestige of being the 'Kings of ASEAN Futsal' back on home soil.
After nearly two years of painful defeats at the hands of Indonesian futsal teams,
including losing the ASEAN championship, dropping the SEA Games gold medal at home, and with the Javanese team recently becoming Asian runners-up.
Had we lost this match to this mixed Indonesian team again,
it might have been devastating for Thai futsal.
Therefore, the 2026 ASEAN championship title holds great significance and is a crucial turning point.
It prevents the Indonesian futsal players from gaining even more confidence.
At least, the title of 'Number 1' in Southeast Asian futsal still bears the name 'Thailand'.
Holding the championship throne for both men's and women's teams.
It is a Songkran gift from 'Big Pom' Adisak Benjasiriwan,
intended to bring joy to Thai sports fans.
Allowing everyone to share happiness and satisfaction genuinely.
Importantly, it also keeps 'President Pang' Nualphan Lamsam happy and content continuously,
after struggling with the national team's performance throughout the previous year.
The sky after the rain is getting brighter and more beautiful. Congratulations, Madam!
- Bee Bangpakong -